Chaos, theft loom as UK joins US in ban on electronic devices in plane's carry on luggage

We’re sorry, this feature is currently unavailable. We’re working to restore it. Please try again later.

Advertisement

This was published 6 years ago

Chaos, theft loom as UK joins US in ban on electronic devices in plane's carry on luggage

By Anthony Dennis
Updated

When I was passing through Dubai International Airport a few years ago a British-accented doctor travelling on the same flight became involved in a loud and volatile argument with a security official who insisted on inspecting his medical bag.

The medico presented what seemed to be the requisite identification, authorising him to travel with proverbial sharp objects, and he was horrified and outraged, as I was, to watch as the official summarily, and somewhat theatrically, deposited a pair of gleaming surgical scissors into a bin.

I'm certain, as a traveller who routinely flies with a laptop and iPad, that airline security authorities in both the US and UK have sound, and possibly disturbing, reasons for imposing a ban on large electronic devices like laptops.

Packing devices into checked luggage could mean a field day for thieves.

Packing devices into checked luggage could mean a field day for thieves.Credit: Fiona Lee Quimby

But the point is that an airport like Dubai, in terms of security, has more layers than a wedding cake and it is a shock to see it on the list. However, the shocks aren't limited to Dubai's inclusion on the US list of airlines who must comply with the ban.

Airlines will be reeling at the potential chaos and knock-on effect to baggage-handling systems that is set to land heavily at many of the world's airports, including large hubs like Dubai and Istanbul, as they strive to implement the new measures.

And with baggage handlers across the globe having a reputation for being notorious pilferers of passenger valuables, the challenge for airlines will be how to ensure that your checked-in laptop, with its precious cache of information, is still in your suitcase when you open it at the opposite end of your journey.

Dubai's airport is one of the world's busiest.

Dubai's airport is one of the world's busiest.

Not long ago the incidence of theft from passenger luggage was so rife at Los Angeles International Airport that the FBI had to be brought into track down and arrest the perpetrators of an organised ring. Hundreds of broken luggage locks were once discovered at Sydney Airport after a spate of thefts, with the baggage handler culprits not even bothering to dispose of the broken items.

Advertisement

British security experts are "astonished" by the electronics ban on Middle East carriers, The Independent in the UK reported overnight, with "the scope for petty criminals to rummage through baggage in search of expensive tablets, laptops or cameras" being "considerable".

Unless airlines and airports can guarantee safe passage of valuable devices, travellers will be faced in coming days with some stark options – leave your laptop and iPad at home, postpone your trip, or don't travel at all through the affected airports. This especially pertinent to the US, with its tourism industry already suffering from a so-called "Trump slump" which, on top of the recent abortive bans on travellers from majority Muslim nations, may as well put up a "closed for business" sign.

British Airways has already foreshadowed the looming chaos in a carefully-word update for affected passages: "Please arrive in good time for the various stages of your journey, including check-in, main security search areas and at the boarding gate. You will subject to additional searches and questions."

Whatever eventuates, the ban on electronic devices is yet another victory for terrorists – and potentially, it must be said, for light-fingered airport baggage personnel.

Anthony Dennis is Fairfax Media's national travel editor

Sign up for the Traveller newsletter

The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading